| Identifying
Spider Bites
Arachnids, known as spiders, are feared by many humans. We have learned to fear spiders and their bites from movies, society and family. People conclude spider bites or stings are extreemly painful and cause significant harm to humans. Like other insect bites, some spider bites may be
harmless but there are a number of spiders and their harmful spider bites that we should be aware
of.
In Northern America there are six known spider species
which inflict certain harm to people. These kinds of spiders include
Black Widow Spiders, Sac Spiders, Brown Recluse Spiders, Brown Widow Spiders, Red-Legged Widow Spiders, and
Varied Widow Spiders. The majority of these poisons spiders are
females and are known by their dangerous bites. In Australia, the
notorious Funnel-Web and Red Back Spiders deliver a painful venomous bite that sends 1000s to the hospital every year. Although death from these spiders, and others
spiders happen in only very rare cases, treatment must be immediate to
prevent secondary infection from these spider bites.
North American venomous spiders and their bites:
- Black Widow Spider Bites: You can easily spot a
femal black widow with a red hourglass mark at its black belly. The female
black widow that gives the more dangerous bite. Its bite may be
compared with that of a pinprick but may lead to faint fang red marks and
cause swelling of the skin. Within hours, the victim may
experience stiffness, swelling and intense pain. Black Widow bites may produce other more severe symptoms - fever, chills, nausea, and severe abdominal pain.
If you experience significant swelling, pain, nausea, feel faint or spike a fever, seek medical attention immediately. More information on Black
Widow Spiders.
- Brown Recluse Spider Bites:
The female Black Widow Spider has an hourglass on its belly as its mark and the Brown Recluse Spider
has a violin-shaped distinction on the top of its body. Brown
Recluse Spiders produce only a mild bite. Liquid blisters may appear at the bitten site and eventually descend to
deep swollen tissue around the spider bite site. This may extend to entire limbs or body areas. Brown Recluse Spider bites can cause mild fever or
nausea, however death only results in
very rare occasions with children. Brown Recluse Spiders are considered more dangerous than Black Widow Spiders. More information on Brown Recluse Spiders.
- Hobo Spiders Bites: Tegenaria agretis is
the scientific name for the common Hobo Spider. This arachnid is a
European settler has taken up residence in the United Stateshas and is considered poisonous. Hobo Spiders are also commonly named
the Aggressive House Spider, Northwestern Brown Spider, and rarely called
Walckenaer Spider. To clearly distinguish the spider's name among
others, the American Arachnological Society has recognized "hobo
spider" as its certified name. The named "hobo" is associated with the
spider's migrating to far cities via railways. Hobo Spiders are know to deliver a painful non-lethal spider bite. More information on Hobo Spiders.
- Sac Spider Bites:
Originally from Ohio, Sac Spiders are common in households. They enter
the homes to look for insects as their prey. Naturally, Sac Spiders do
not attack unless provoked or trapped. Spider bites occur usually at night
because of the nocturnal nature of Sac Spiders. Although non-toxic to
humans, bites of Sac Spider can cause damage to the tissue and may
leave a large open wound leading to secondary infection.
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Spider Bites Medical Attention
Since spider bites can be fatal, it is highly recommended that you
seek immediate medical attention after any spider bite that accompanies fever, nausea, shortness of breath, breathing difficulty, significant swelling, pain, or stiffness to the body. Poisonous
spider bites, like the Black Widow or Brown Recluse Spiders, antivenom treatment may
be necessary. Antivenom medication must be administered durning early symptom stages for Brown Recluse
Spider bites in order for the treatment to be effective. Always consult your physician regarding any medication or
treatment.
Spider Bites Treatments
Treatment of Spider
Bites
Soap and warm water is the first basic first aid step for insect
bites, which is also appropriate for spider bites. Cold compresses are
effective in alleviating swelling, redness or limb stiffness surrounding the spider bite site.
Over-the-counter medication may be taken to control spider bite symptoms - 20 to 50 mg of diphenhydramine will
reduce spider bite itchiung. Follow dosing instructions carefully to avoid an overdose. or patients who
may suffer pain due to spider bites, 1 to 2 tablets of acetaminophen wilo ease painful discomfort.
Do's and Don'ts of spider bites:
- Do not take antibiotics unless the bite appears to be infected and your doctor has prescribed them. It has proven that they do
not really produce a remedial effect on spider bites unless they have a bacterial infection.
- Do not take ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin or other over-the-counter medication to control symptoms.
- Do not try to dissect or open a wound as it may lead to
further infection. Avoid scratching bites.
- Do not ignor more severe spider bite symptoms that may indicate an infection. Rather consult your physician as some bites need immediate medical
care to prevent further complications.
- Do seek immediate medical attention if you experience a severe spider bite reaction: fever, nausea, shortness of breath, breathing difficulty, significant swelling, pain, or stiffness to the body.
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